Bed Bugs Spotlight

Bed bugs have been common in U.S. history. Although bed bug populations dropped
dramatically during the mid-20th century, the United States is one of many countries
now experiencing an alarming resurgence in the population of bed bugs. Though the
exact cause is not known, experts suspect the re-emergence is associated with increased
resistance of bed bugs to available pesticides, greater international and domestic
travel, lack of knowledge regarding control of bed bugs due to their prolonged absence
and the continuing decline or elimination of effective vector/pest control programs
at state and local public health agencies.

In recent years, public health agencies across the country have been overwhelmed
by complaints about bed bugs. An integrated approach to bed bug control involving
federal, state, tribal and local public health professionals, together with pest
management professionals, housing authorities and private citizens, will promote
development and understanding of the best methods for managing and controlling bed
bugs and preventing future infestations. Research, training and public education
are critical to an effective strategy for reducing public health issues associated
with the resurgence of bed bug populations.

Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that can feed on sleeping humans at night. These nocturnal insects
hide along seams of mattresses, in box springs, or in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas. Eliminating an infestation requires removing or treating all infested material and monitoring to be sure bed bugs are gone.

Bed bugs feed only on blood and must have one blood meal prior to molting to the next, larger nymphal stage.

Adults can feed every few days but can survive many months without food.

Bed bug feeding is painless. Victims usually remain asleep.

Areas around bites may redden, swell, and itch. Some people have no reaction.

Bed bugs are not known to spread diseases, but scratching bites can lead to infection.

People can carry bed bugs on luggage, clothes, bedding, furniture, or other objects and may pick them up in hotels.

Hotels, homeless shelters, furnished apartments, and dormitories are most at risk. Second-hand mattresses and furniture can also be a source.

Bed bugs like to hide. Remove bedding. Look in cracks, crevices, and holes. Turn furniture upside down and dismantle frames if necessary.